SCC Celebrates First Generation Students Nov. 8

11/01/2019

On Friday, November 8, Southeastern Community College will host activities to honor first-generation college students.

SCC will participate with colleges across the country in the National First-Generation College Celebration to honor the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965. The HEA has helped millions of first-generation, low-income, and under-resourced students earn their college degree.

The West Burlington Campus welcomes former NFL player and motivational speaker Harvie Herrington. At noon, Herrington will lead a keynote presentation and breakout sessions for students and staff in the college's Little Theater.

At the Keokuk campus, SCC faculty member Dr. Shonteria Johnson will lead a conversation about first-generation student experiences in the Student Lounge at 11 a.m. Related activities will follow her discussion.

Project Director Sibyl McIntire gives credit to TRIO Student Support Services, TRIO Upward Bound, and the SCC Student Board for putting together an exciting day.

"Three out of five SCC students are first-generation," McIntire explains. "We want to celebrate them as the first in their families to pursue their goal of earning a college degree. It's proven that students who feel connected to their college are more likely to persist and graduate."

For more news or to learn about Southeastern Community College, visit: https://www.scciowa.edu/aboutscc/office_mktg_comm/news/2019/